Rappelling accident at Brides Cave near Margaret River WA in front of Perth students
Horror as the rappelling master plunges to his death in front of schoolchildren on a field trip
- Abseiling instructor fell in Brides Cave, three hours from Perth
- I was teaching a high school field trip group.
- Some teachers and students were already at the base.
A rappelling instructor plunged to his death in front of shocked students and teachers during a school field trip at a popular Australian nature landmark.
The 53-year-old man was teaching students from a Perth secondary school who had traveled to Brides Cave in Boranup, three hours south of the WA capital.
Police were initially called to the known site near the resort town of Margaret River around 3:20 p.m. Thursday to support SES volunteers and paramedics.
“Several students and teachers had already rappelled to the bottom of the cave area when the instructor fell,” police said in a statement.
Brides Cave in Boranup (pictured) near the Margaret River is a popular rappelling spot. Students at a Perth secondary school were on a field trip when their instructor went under
First aid was given to the man until a paramedic from the RAC Rescue helicopter was lowered into the cave and took care of the patient.
Unfortunately, he could not be revived.
“DFES State Emergency Service volunteers and the man’s colleagues were able to provide guidance and instructions to safely retrieve the deceased, students and teachers from the bottom of the cave.”
WorkSafe WA is aware of the incident and is investigating.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Some students and teachers had already rappelled down to the bottom of the cave (pictured) and provided first aid to the man.